Grey's Anatomy actor Ray Singh at Lister School meeting the students and a Q&A about acting - Ray talks with pupils in class

A Newham actor who has found success with a role on a major US show has been visiting his old school to inspire current pupils.

Although Ray Singh trained in Britain he moved to America in 2009 to further his acting career and was lucky enough to audition for a part on the highly successful and Golden Globe winning medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.

After he was written in and out of the show six times last year, he has now been cast as British nurse Howard in season eight.

Ray, who comes from Forest Gate, went back to Lister School in Plaistow where he spoke to students and was reunited with teacher Tracey Dowling who first spotted his acting potential. He subsequently performed at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Ray paid tribute to Tracey. He said: “It was her who took notice of me as an actor and I am so grateful to her because she played a big part in this whole journey that I’m taking. If it had not been for the GCSE (in Drama) and the Theatre Royal Stratford East I don’t know what path I would have taken.”

He is hoping his experience will encourage fellow aspiring thespians.

Ray, now 33, developed a love for the performing arts at the age of 11. By the time he was 16 he had a Grade A in Drama.

He also beat stiff competition to gain a place at the Arts Educational School, one of London’s leading drama centres.